KTH Showcases EV Traction Motor Research at ICEM 2026 in Madeira

KTH Royal Institute of Technology participated in the 27th International Conference on Electrical Machines (ICEM 2026), held in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, from September 6–9, 2026. The conference brought together researchers and industry experts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in electrical machines and drives.

During the poster session, KTH researcher Meng-Ju Hsieh presented the paper titled “Benchmarking REE-and-Magnet-Free Traction Electric Machines Against PMSM for EV Applications” (Paper No. ICEM26-000576).

The research evaluates rare-earth-element-free (REE-free) and magnet-free motor topologies, such as Induction Machines (IM), Synchronous Reluctance Machines (SynRM), and Electrically Excited Synchronous Machines (EESM), against conventional Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). The study provides valuable insights into power density, lifecycle carbon emissions, and drive cycle efficiency for sustainable electric vehicle (EV) applications.

Funded by the European Union under GA no. 101192612. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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With around 14,000 students and 900 employees, including 250 professors, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts (FHDO) is one of the ten largest universities of applied sciences in Germany.

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University College London, Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL) is a cutting-edge electrical system engineering centre for the development and characterisation of high-power and energy, zero-carbon propulsion systems.

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iNetic

iNetic Traction is a UK-based electric powertrain specialist focused on the design, development, and industrialisation of advanced electric drive technologies.

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Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems.

With some 161,600 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €41.4 billion in fiscal year 2024. The company operates 161 production locations in 30 countries.